It goes on and on. Right after the shooting, little Danny would ask the nurses, , Even Ann Rule in her book, keeps mentioning that, Every time, she said she did not know, they told her to think again and made suggestions. What happened to Diane Downs' husband? They had their second child, Cheryl Lynn, in 1976, followed by Stephen Danial, born in 1979. So should I put an addendum saying that Diane contradicted herself or was not satisfied with the sketch? That hurt our family deeply. I was being sarcastic. is this a reason??? Again I go back to how times were back then. The whole blog claims the trial was flawed. Christie and Danny have no contact with their father, and they have completed their education. Diane Downs was convicted because she didn't appear "sorry enough" during her TV appearances. Every single one of these questions matter. They sure forgot to tell us about her pulse racing during these sessions. Whenever your shoot a gun that many times and that close to the victims, theres going to be blood and powder residues. While I appreciate your empathy for the victims of this crime, I have to wonder if all murderers should be locked up their entire life? Simply because I researched them. Are we to believe that Proctors second gun was stolen with the bill and ID from the first gun that remained listed at the gun store? Not even the gun. And the interrogations were not tapedand barelydocumented. He has lived a life outside the public eye and hasnt ever come out to give interviews to the media about his ex-wife. She managed to jump in the car after getting shot in the arm. then later you ask how diane didnt have any blood splatter on her when she was inside the car when she shot her kids??? The fact that she was driving five miles per hour to the hospital says it all as a mother myself, I dont care how hurt or mentally damaged I was, I would drive that car 100 MPH to get my children to safety. . After Diane got divorced from her husband in 1980, she had taken up a job at the U.S. postal service office, and that's where she first met him. Where are Steve Downs children now? Her 7-year old daughter Cheryl died but her 3-year old son Danny and her 8-year old daughter Christie survived. As usual, Diane had resorted to the soothing comfort of a pregnancy to pretend life would get better; she would create a nest around her, come hell or high water. I can only imagine to absolute horror of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca during their horrific murders. How could Christie say anything but the things they told her to say with that kind of influence? On May 19, 1983, Elizabeth Diane pulled over her car by the side of the road in Springfield, Oregon and shot her children multiple times with a 22-calibre pistol. I also wish that Dianes children have a great life. You simply are a rude individual looking for a reaction. The fact that they used her daughter and lied about the gun they could never find makes it a wrongful conviction. I dont disagree, I just think it is another example of flaws in our justice system. Did CK shoot at car when DD drove away? Q. Click to listen to podcast explaining the gun test, Dianes mental condition and the lack of forensic evidence. People can have a certain vibe and act out of the norms, but it does not make them necessarily guilty. I was also stunned that she took the reports of all of Dianes ( mostly married) ex lovers as absolute truth and never once questioned that they might have been lying and retrospectively minimising their feelings for Diane to protect themselves. However, their marriage wasnt as great as they anticipated as Steve was a player and quite irresponsible and immature at the time. There is no way that a jury would convict Diane today, based on the clearly coached testimony of Christie. Christie Downs was eight-years old when she was injured and nine-years old when she testified. Of course. Everything matters in a trial and investigation. It appeared rigged and the fact that Ann Rule sat in the courtroom ready to produce a Masterpiece of Guilt could only help the prosecution. Her daughter told the media she watched Small Sacrifices several times. How was DD able to get away from CK and get the keys back into the ignition without there being more attempts on her life? Mr. Jagger said it wasnt t enough to know a witness had lied, but she would have to prove it. And she would have been under supervision. It simply states the facts of the case. It was Judge Footes first criminal case and it was against a woman whose children he had removed from her care even though she had not been convicted or sentenced; a conflict of interest and pure madness. The gun problem or the absence of blood and powder residues are not make believe. 1. That says it all. The question is of course, how can we determine guilt or innocence without a fair trial? Even Ann Rule in her book, keeps mentioning that they only had a few months to get Christie to talk, otherwise they could not keep her away from her mother any longer. The prosecutor would gently shake his head and the good judge would follow with a ruling. It gave Anne Rule carte blanche to legally use these labels in her book and it stuck. It is not a plus, but it is not a crime either. On the single count of murder, the jurors needed a unanimous decision. It is said that their union was loveless and that Steve was a player who was also quite irresponsible and immature from time to time. At least two of those school mates reported Christies tortured confession to their mother I remember when it was in the news. I agree with your comment. As a result, he decided not to attend the rest of the trial. It isnt there all the time. The fact that the DA adopted the children, since it was after the trial, is more of a gray area. It could have been very different at almost any other time or with any other attorneys or juries too. She was expelled and reunited with him against her parents wishes. She may be highly vulnerable to losing control of her emotions in emotionally charged situations, creating faulty judgment and ineffective and inappropriate behavior. Did you read her statements to the parole board in 2008? In addition, the children were suffering life-changing physical and mental trauma, which would take years to heal. And I care about the lack of evidence. She had no blood spatter or gun powder residue on her hands,clothing or hair. They did not like her attitude and she did not behave the way they expected a grieving mother to act. I base a lot on what I see and hear from her in her own words in footage of a 28 yr old woman. The forensic evidence alone is absolutely weak. Mr. Jagger failed to challenge that competency. Page 40 of Case History. You fail to mention what her daughter actually said about her communication with Diane, like Diane telling her that a very powerful person, a secret man, has been watching her, and that if she loved her son she would move away or else her son will grow up to be a murderer. The reason she is likely locked up is because she was diagnosed with narcissistic, histrionic and anti social personality disorder, that makes her a very dangerous person (especially since she is a murderer). It is normally done (in fact in many jurisdictions, can ONLY be done) by going through the process in a different state or county then the one the applicant works with. According to her hospital records, every 6 hours she was given 400 milligrams of Dilantin (which is noted for causing confusion). She should of been sentenced to death. Cheryl was shot twice in the back and one of the bullets ended up on the floorboard. So, what is Steve's story? They would have tried to reopen the case. I have nothing to gain and I am not making up songs and dances about a unicorn. Anyways, I was 10 years old when this happened, I stayed with my aunt and uncle a lot in those years, in which they watched A LOT of nightly news programs.lol most of it was like white noise to me, as I would play with my barbies on their living room floorbut I do remember this story. DA Pat Horton declared early in the game to the local paper that the search for the bearded stranger was not very high on their priority list.. Here's what we know. But there were discrepancies; the tool marks did not matchand the detective lied on the stand about it. She should have had the lawyer of her choice and if they wanted to charge her with the crimes, they should have stuck with what evidence and circumstances they had. According to TMZ, in 2017, Hudson and her former partner David Otunga "reached a temporary custody agreement which gives him custody" of their son. Then, they accused her of shooting her kids at close range. It was faulty. I was curious as to what these requirements were, as I have not seen these online. Who is Elizabeth Diane Downs, Steve Downs ex-wife? I am interested in the truth. I would like to believe this is the truth. http://www.dianedowns.com/Dr.%20Jamison%20affidavit.pdf. Dianewas jealous ofthe other woman, but Robert Knickerbockers wife said that she foundher rather friendly during their encounter. She has come a long way. Yes, but it is a fact that she was starting to say that she did not know who shot them when it happened. Critics said she deliberately became pregnant in order to garner sympathy from the jury. She did not have the opportunity to clean her hands with the right product to erase all traces and she was tested pretty fast, contrary to many other cases. I just read your opinion on the Pamela Smart case and the Scott Peterson case. Not right at all. The Case of Liysa Northon Who Said True Crime Does not Pay? Even put in different hospitals. In case you did not read the blog: During Dianes examination at trial, Fred Hugi said in front of the jury, in the form of a question, that she had been diagnosed as a deviant sociopath. If you use this mixed water, you can lift off a gunpowder stain.. The best policy for Diane Downs would have been to remain silent, but she fought back and smiled at the wrong time and according to them, enjoyed the attention. I mean, yeah, I can see the no contact order with Diane. I have watched her parole hearing. The circumstances surrounding the case were not enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Why does the blogger not clarify this? Lets also remember that this is the US of A and we dont lock people up for being narcissistic, antisocial histrionic individuals. After graduating high school, Steve went on to join the Navy, and Diane, having a strict religious background, was sent to the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College. I think it posible she brought the kids there to be shot by someone else. Ffs maybe u should go back to writing screenplays. This whole case is flawed. Or that the sketch did not resemble the suspect enough? This was very stressful. I find it interesting for you to observe this because it should be more scientific and empirical today than it was in the 80s, but is it really? She did it. The lovely Farrah Fawcett who played in the movie Small Sacrifices was known for her epic battles with lover Ryan ONeil. Dianes automobile was secured and examined and no gun was found. Q. Tis why at 10 years old I was hearing about this case in Ohio, and family members talked about it around me.it hit with great force that way. Detective Welch reminded Diane of the assault her sister witnessed in February 1983, in which steve Downs broke Dianes tailbone (Appendix 74, page 1025). Lise,,,,, yes you did. I especially loved reading everyones comments. ..it is quite possible if she was tried in todays world, with the evidence they hadquite possible it would of went differently we been living in a society that pretty much demand 100% pure forensic evidence proven. This does not make her innocent. He should have let someone else handle the case or let someone else adopt the kids. She states, I did not shoot my children and I cant say I did. Dianes brother, James, sat in court one day andnoticed Foote looking at Hugi before ruling on an objection. Sad situation. According to Glamour, the motive given for why Diane shot her kids was thought to be because the married man she was seeing at the time did not want any children. Take your smugness elsewhere, at long last. Since he was in possession of a similar gun, he was a suspect as well, but, when the ballistics did not match, Diane Downs quickly became the prime suspect. No forensic evidence pointing to her, just conjecture based on how mothers should act. It could be argued that he developed a relationship with the children and genuinely wanted them to join his family. It really doesnt matter that much of the trial and due process was faulty, because its so obvious that Diane is the one who did it and that justice was served. What about the fact that they never found the gun? I dont understand how the family court managed to isolate 2 severely traumatized and grievously injured children from their entire family. In hindsight Im sure the grandparents wish they had pursued visitation more aggressively. She said She did it. Problem with that is Diane has said during an interview with detectives that the sketch looks nothing like what she described. After completing his education and their short-lived high school romance, Steve Downs would move on to join the navy. Go reading US: The American Gulag, 26 Mar 2009 Exploding prison populations in the US serve a basic need of capitalism. I understand that the authorities were afraid to leave the two remaining children under her care if they thought she was guilty, but they could have been released to the grandparents or other blood relatives with supervised visits from their mom considering that she was not charged with any crime. It is not clear whether he still resides in Arizona, where he started his relationship with Diane those many years ago. James C. Jagger who was hired by Dianes father was an ex-Prosecutor. She is still in prison. I am not sure of the exact timing of Dianes accusations but the Downs family did not only include the grandparents and they were never considered even before this nonsense. I appreciate this whole blog just want to give you a heads up. Dianes dad died a year or two ago. DNA Test Kits Are Helping Solve Cold Cases Decades Later, After Nearly a Year, There Could Finally be an Investigation Into the Death of Elijah McClain. A slightly humorous observation is that you said, and others have, that James Haynes physically resembled the sketch. I never found a photo of James C. Jagger online. Once again, Diane said a lot of things. I think that you are right about certain things not being ignored. She was in solitary confinement for years and even escaped from prison once but was recaptured. 6. Jump through the States hoops, or find a noose around your neck. The blogger continues, I am not one sided. No conflict of interest there? I am so tired of the victims being forgotten. Strange how Jagger is pretty absent too except for the few photos where he is wrongly identified as Hugi. Some of your facts arent facts at all. During Dianes examination at trial, Fred Hugi said in front of the jury, in the form of a question, that she had been diagnosed as a , Anne Rule made a big deal of a brass unicorn engraved with the childrens names that Diane had purchased. One of the jurors finally declared. Dianes family could give you countless examples of the inaccuracies they found in her book. Do you remember it would have been around say November 19th of 82 that you would have left Charlene at one time? Libby, I quoted what Diane said. It appears that you have to be a perfect mother with no lovers and not afflicted with any mental illness to be considered innocent until proven guilty in America. What a terrible injustice. Hed left his first wife to co-habitate with (and later marry) Charlene. Not exclusively a USA trait, this happens also in many countries, but in a technologically advanced superpower like USA this attitude is more shocking, and maybe also more worldwide spread. In 1984, the lead prosecutor in the Danie case, Fred Hugi and his wife, Joanne, chose to adopt the children (Christie and Danny). Five doctors have observed and documented this phenomenon. A. I dont recall telling her to get an apartment. Or can have an accomplice. But there were discrepancies; the tool marks did not matchand the detective lied on the stand about it. Nothing in this blog claims Diane is innocent. I didnt know that. Where is Diane Downs' husband now? Around 1 in 20 residents in Arkansas and Tennessee were missed during the 2020 census, and four other U.S. states had significant undercounts of their populations which could shortchange them Most people negotiate the ups and downs of . Foote refused 30 to 50 reports by detectives of sightings or leads about the shooter but admitted reports from people in Arizona willing to badmouth Diane. To Lisa Griggs Either way, it appears to be a conflict of interest. The fact that there was a rush to judgment, an investigation targeting only one result and a media coverage often presenting lies is very bothersome. Ms. Downs makes every effort to avoid emotional stimuli in order to reduce the demands made on her. Not meaning to sound disrespectful, but you seem to be doing what you accuse Ann Rule of doing. And he was found not guilty because his defense team played the race card in an area of LA where they did not trust the police and discussed EDTA and DNA ad nauseam to confuse the jurors. Its more understandable now, after all this time but it has done her so much harm, then and now The detective said to leave that up to the police. Diane Downs is no exception. Her character was also too much on the forefront. Nuts maybe, but not threatening. She felt fulfilled when she was pregnant because she believedit was the road to unconditional love. Diane had moved to Oregon only 6 weeks before the tragedy to work in the area and have her parents spend time with the kids. It turned out to be a mistake because he was married to a County Circuit Court Judge who would become a colleague of Foote and he had no intention of defending Diane vigorously. But in the case of DD, there were a lot of elements missing. But you would know that if you had read the blog or info about the case. Also, aside from her original mental state, which may or may not excuse her aloofness (doesnt prove shes a killer by the way! The notions of humanity and rehabilitation have been left on the wayside long ago. Another significant development about the children is that Danny is great with computers but is still paralyzed from the bullet that hit his back but is leading a regular life. How could they expect a normal mother/daughter reunion between a beaten inmate whose mental health had degraded and a daughter trapped in this insanity? One should also wonder why their biological father who was so eager to bash his ex on the stand was not given custody, and did not stay in contact with his two remaining children: relevance? Instead of shooting the little kids, why didnt the carjacker/killer (CK) simply shoot DD dead and take her car? Im all for justice, reviewing facts and overturning corrupt decisions. And Hugi seemed pretty sure he would get what he was asking for. In her book, Ann Rule made sure to mention that running water was heard by a dispatcher when Diane was at the hospital; insinuating that she was washing her hands and getting rid of evidence. Why am I not arguing the facts of the trial? Youre right to say that a GSR is not always foolproof and between 10-20% of suicide GSR kits test negative for GSR. Oh 1 more thing I see a lot of comments on pro Diane web sights that say well she drove them to the hospital. One should also wonder why their biological father who was so eager to bash his ex on the stand was not given custody, and did not stay in contact with his two remaining children. There were a few calls and on one occasion,Christie said They just, they knew that, you know, that she did it and I should say that she did it. When asked if she thought her mother did it or someone else did it, she replied, I dont know if she did it or someone else did, cause I dont know. Then Angel says: They told you that was the right thing to do, huh? Christie responds, But like the person, my attorney, and thats who Fred is, that Im living with, hes the guy, he works for me.. Plus, Diane could have never cleaned her clothes and her hair to remove blood and gun powder. I enjoyed your take, and agree their are several reasons with this, and lets be honestevery other case ever prosecuted, to take pause and question but Diane continues to lie, make up brand new stories about people after her, and has made no moves to better herself in any way shape or form while shes been in prison, by her own admission. Only the people who present ongoing threats to the safety of the public in general are the ones this sentence is reserved for. So move on. You read a few comments. Her children were obviously more severely injuredbecause being captive in the car while a shooter aimed at them gave them less of a chance to wiggle out of the situation than an adult outside the car. She has an excellent conduct report and never reacted violently to any of the harassment from other inmates. The harm done to families by unscrupulous district attorneys who bully children into falsely testifying against their parents has been recorded in a documentary called Witch Hunt by Sean Penn about Kern County (CA) District Attorney Ed Jagels. I think DD is guilty, but I also think her trial was far from due process, and that is the important issue. I can make out I will ask you to take a good look at the people in your life. that you told Diane to tell steve that she was Knicks Do not take this so personally. You can believe what you like. Downs is a worthless as the day is long.. Maybe you should read the blog before commenting. Many troubling elements of the case were discovered after the trial, but there was enough during the proceedings to be asking questions. Diane wanted to wait for her daughter to feel better, be accompanied by an expert and have the meetings taped? Or maybe an upvote/downvote arrow for each. A test for the presence of gunshot residue conducted on Dianes hands the night of the shooting, returned a negative result (Appendix 23). Im not saying I know for a fact in my mind shes innocentbut there is NOT enough evidence for her to be guilty. I might not have put enough information to your liking, but I stuck to what came out at trial and not the fantasy factory coming from the state, the media and Rule. Distractify is a registered trademark. She was harshly judged because of her demeanor. What got her convicted was two things the towel and Christie. Is Diane really a threat anymore? I dont know either if she is guilty or not, but I believe there is a reasonable doubt surrounding the circumstances. If it doesnt matter to you, it should. Dianes story does not contradict that. Speculative. She would have been released under strict conditions with the support of her family and under the care of a mental health specialist. In fact, Diane had consulted a psychologist after the tragedy and after months of consultation, she was never diagnosed as a sociopath. The absence of the gun or gun powder residues on Diane is fact. Her arm was severely damaged, so shattered that she needed a graft from a hip bone. why didn't steve downs get custody. (LOL!! The tragedy that hit the Downs' kids changed their whole life. The states own witness, Dr. George Suckow and Dr. Polly Jamison denounced Prosecutor Hugis practice as improper and unethical (Appendix 101 and 104). I agree that the verdict may have been very different. Now she claims she was dating an FBI agent at the time, was holding some top secret pictures for him, and she was on the road to meet someone to pass them off, at the instruction of her FBI boyfriend. They already had made up their mind that Diane was the perpetrator so they laughed off the idea of the bushy haired stranger. The problem was that they could not find the gun anywhere and they had nothing on Diane. It seems like Steve and Diane were meant to be together. And Im really not on the fence the little girl was coachedI believe the ex husband , his freinds, and her lovers were invalid either way. She could not have been shot twice in the back while sitting up and have the bullet pierce her body to end up under the floorboard of the passenger side. Van Houten has made her choices and needs to own up to her actions and stop putting all the blame on drugs and Manson. The circumstances surrounding the crimes against these innocent children demand to be used as evidence.. My comment to you Lise is about your reply to a previous comment where you say Diane should have been released by now regardless of her statements. Mr. It wasnt until Prosecutor Hugi said Dr. Jamison had labeled Diane a deviant sociopath that Mr. A conviction founded on lies is no conviction at all. Page 50 of Case History. Her persona allowed them to build this ironclad narrative when in fact, it was far from definite. You wondered at times, which side he was working for. They checked her nails to see if she could have buried the gun and they were clean. Her release was recommended by a warden and a psychiatrist. Only in Hollywood and in Ann Rules books, would you find such fantasy.
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